Equity Analyst, LightStream Research

Oshadhi Kumarasiri

Equity Analyst

Long-Short Analysis on Japan, Asia and the World

LightStream Research

LightStream conducts quantitatively rigorous and data-driven analysis with a focus on Japan and Asia.

We consistently cover the Tech, Consumer and Industrial sectors, and provide ECM and Events coverage more broadly.

We supplement traditional qualitative insights from company relationships with a robust quantitative foundation that examines as much historical data as is available.
We further refine the accuracy of our insights and calls through the use of alternative data to flesh out current trends, and through a valuation framework that emphasises non-superficial peer group selection and a proper attempt to understand the metrics and changes that have driven security valuations in the past.

Equity Bottom-Up

As US investors are forced to exit Chinese tech stocks amidst regulatory uncertainties, this presents an opportunity for long-term investors to buy high growth tech names at bargain prices.The community group-buying platform <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/pinduoduo-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27250:1" rel="noopener">Pinduoduo (PDD US)</a> was one of the stocks on the receiving end of the Chinese government’s regulatory scrutiny, and its shares are currently trading at around 52% below the February 2021 peak level. As the overhang subsides and selling pressure (mainly from US investors) fades, Pinduoduo seems well placed to outperform its peers as the company stands to benefit from the change of direction in the government policy over the next few years.

As US investors are forced to exit Chinese tech stocks amidst regulatory uncertainties, this presents an opportunity for long-term investors to buy high growth tech names at bargain prices.The community group-buying platform Pinduoduo (PDD US) was one of the stocks on the receiving end of the Chinese government’s regulatory scrutiny, and its shares are currently trading at around 52% below the February 2021 peak level. As the overhang subsides and selling pressure (mainly from US investors) fades, Pinduoduo seems well placed to outperform its peers as the company stands to benefit from the change of direction in the government policy over the next few years.

Not Yet an Absolute Bargain, but PDD Is Our First Choice to Bottom Fish Chinese Tech

Global Emerging Market Equities, Propitious Research

Wium Malan, CFA

Global Emerging Market Equities

Independent, Fundamental Quantitative Research

Propitious Research

Fully independent, fundamental and quantitative equity research, focused on companies in the Telecommunication, Media, Technology, Internet and Healthcare sectors in the Global Emerging Markets. Idea generation focused on Quality stocks, trading below their intrinsic Value, with sound Corporate Governance.

<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/tencent-holdings-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26:1" rel="noopener">Tencent (700 HK)</a>’s investment track record has been nothing short of remarkable, as is evidenced by the increase in the reported fair value of listed Investees, which has grown by 99%y/y to nearly RMB1.45trn as of 30 June 2021, contributing as much as 31% to Tencent’s market cap. These investments have also driven material income statement gains that account for the bulk of Tencent’s positive operating profit earnings surprises over the past 2 years. However, based on share price weakness experienced post the most recent reporting period, I estimate that the current fair market value of listed associates could have declined by 26%, or RMB378bn, which is also likely to have a materially adverse impact on reported income statement numbers for 3Q21. Given that Tencent is already facing very tough comps from its online gaming revenue segment, a negative impact to “Other gains, net” could provide for significant earnings miss in 3Q21 reported numbers. If we add to that the ongoing uncertainty around the Chinese regulatory environment and economic slowdown, we could see more short-term volatility in Tencent’s share price. The main caveat to this is that, with a resurgence of the Delta-variant and COVID-19 pandemic, we could see a near-term pickup in online gaming revenue as lockdowns intensify in China, which should be positive for Tencent’s near-term earnings outlook. Tencent currently trades on a 22.1x NTM PE ratio, which is roughly 2 standard deviations below its 5-year historical average trading range. Should we exclude Tencent’s Investees at fair value, I estimate that Tencent’s consolidated operations currently trade on only a 12.1x NTM PE ratio which remains an extremely attractive longer-term entry point to the consolidated operations that are expected to grow Net Operating Profit After Tax (NOPAT) at mid-teens levels from next year onwards, even if we factor in further near-term earnings downgrades, economic headwinds to the advertising segment, or an increase in tax rates for the online games segment.

Tencent (700 HK)’s investment track record has been nothing short of remarkable, as is evidenced by the increase in the reported fair value of listed Investees, which has grown by 99%y/y to nearly RMB1.45trn as of 30 June 2021, contributing as much as 31% to Tencent’s market cap. These investments have also driven material income statement gains that account for the bulk of Tencent’s positive operating profit earnings surprises over the past 2 years. However, based on share price weakness experienced post the most recent reporting period, I estimate that the current fair market value of listed associates could have declined by 26%, or RMB378bn, which is also likely to have a materially adverse impact on reported income statement numbers for 3Q21. Given that Tencent is already facing very tough comps from its online gaming revenue segment, a negative impact to “Other gains, net” could provide for significant earnings miss in 3Q21 reported numbers. If we add to that the ongoing uncertainty around the Chinese regulatory environment and economic slowdown, we could see more short-term volatility in Tencent’s share price. The main caveat to this is that, with a resurgence of the Delta-variant and COVID-19 pandemic, we could see a near-term pickup in online gaming revenue as lockdowns intensify in China, which should be positive for Tencent’s near-term earnings outlook. Tencent currently trades on a 22.1x NTM PE ratio, which is roughly 2 standard deviations below its 5-year historical average trading range. Should we exclude Tencent’s Investees at fair value, I estimate that Tencent’s consolidated operations currently trade on only a 12.1x NTM PE ratio which remains an extremely attractive longer-term entry point to the consolidated operations that are expected to grow Net Operating Profit After Tax (NOPAT) at mid-teens levels from next year onwards, even if we factor in further near-term earnings downgrades, economic headwinds to the advertising segment, or an increase in tax rates for the online games segment.

Tencent: Investees, the Potential for ST Earnings Miss, and an Attractive LT Entry Point

Forensic Analyst

Jason Yap, CFA

Forensic Accounting

PDD posted its first quarterly profit since listing and committed to re-invest net profits towards a newly launched RMB10 billion Agriculture Initiative.
Revenue and active buyers recorded strong growth but otherwise confirmed signs of decelerating growth compared with prior quarters.  Further, PDD's management confirmed that its profitability going forward is likely to be affected both by investments in the Agriculture Initiative and intensifying competition in an evolving China e-commerce landscape.
Notwithstanding the above, US investors read PDD's significant profit milestone positively, with PDD's share price up 22.3% by US trade closing (24 Aug 2021).  
We previously discussed deteriorating sequential quarter on quarter financial and operating metrics and operating cashflows, PDD's pivot to asset heavy strategy, and decelerating GMV and revenue growth.  To its credit, PDD's strong Q2 2021 results has debunked some of these concerns although PDD's latest disclosures and management representations indicate that the strong performance may not repeat in H2 2021. 
We provide updates on the Q2 2021 results and discuss the relevant issues in this article.

PDD posted its first quarterly profit since listing and committed to re-invest net profits towards a newly launched RMB10 billion Agriculture Initiative.
Revenue and active buyers recorded strong growth but otherwise confirmed signs of decelerating growth compared with prior quarters.  Further, PDD's management confirmed that its profitability going forward is likely to be affected both by investments in the Agriculture Initiative and intensifying competition in an evolving China e-commerce landscape.
Notwithstanding the above, US investors read PDD's significant profit milestone positively, with PDD's share price up 22.3% by US trade closing (24 Aug 2021).  
We previously discussed deteriorating sequential quarter on quarter financial and operating metrics and operating cashflows, PDD's pivot to asset heavy strategy, and decelerating GMV and revenue growth.  To its credit, PDD's strong Q2 2021 results has debunked some of these concerns although PDD's latest disclosures and management representations indicate that the strong performance may not repeat in H2 2021. 
We provide updates on the Q2 2021 results and discuss the relevant issues in this article.

PDD - Strong (And First Ever) Profit in Q2 2021 but Likely Transient

Global TMT analyst with Asia ex-Japan focus.

Mitchell Kim

<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/jd-com-inc-adr" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:446:1" rel="noopener">JD.com Inc (ADR) (JD US)</a>'s 2Q21 results may not seem inspirational, but a closer look under the hood reveals a solid business that is continuing to improve.  Considering the regulatory overhang and the near-term losses from the new community group buying business offsetting the overall profit growth, poor investor sentiment may continue for the Chinese e-commerce stocks including JD.  However, I remain constructive on JD's fundamentals, and I believe JD is a good rebound candidate when the overhang is lifted.      What I saw under the hood: <ul>
<li>Solid top-line growth of 26%. </li>
<li>Historic quarterly active user additions.</li>
<li>Rising appeal from lower-tier market users.</li>
<li>Higher engagement from existing users. </li>
<li>Acceleration of order volume growth.</li>
<li>Healthy core JD retail operating profit  </li>
</ul>

JD.com Inc (ADR) (JD US)'s 2Q21 results may not seem inspirational, but a closer look under the hood reveals a solid business that is continuing to improve.  Considering the regulatory overhang and the near-term losses from the new community group buying business offsetting the overall profit growth, poor investor sentiment may continue for the Chinese e-commerce stocks including JD.  However, I remain constructive on JD's fundamentals, and I believe JD is a good rebound candidate when the overhang is lifted.      What I saw under the hood: 
Solid top-line growth of 26%. 
Historic quarterly active user additions.
Rising appeal from lower-tier market users.
Higher engagement from existing users. 
Acceleration of order volume growth.
Healthy core JD retail operating profit  


JD.com (JD US): Solid Growth Flying Under the Radar

In June, I turned more constructive on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/vipshop-holdings-ltd-adr" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:1088:1" rel="noopener">Vipshop Holdings (VIPS US)</a> as a rare value play among the online shopping platforms after the stock price fell more than 50% from the peak in March.  Since then, the stock price fell another 26% as the Chinese tech selloff continued even though VIPS faces relatively lower regulatory risk. Considering the continued operational improvements (even though the profits missed consensus expectations, margins remained stable). I believe the stock offers an attractive risk-return proposition.   I find VIPS more attractive at this point because of the following three reasons:<ol>
<li>
Vipshop is subject to relatively lower regulatory risk.  VIPS was penalized just a small fine thus far. VIPS is relatively immune from the new Data Security Law (DSL) to be adopted on 1 September.    </li>
<li>
Vipshop is trading near historic low valuations. VIPS shares trade at 8.6x FY21 and 7.4x FY22 consensus earnings and at the historic low P/E band.  This level is similar to when the company recorded 9% revenue growth and a 3.5% operating margin.  This is a whole new company with substantially higher revenue and profit growth. </li>
<li>
Weak 2Q21 results provide a better entry point. VIPS' 2Q21 showed resilient top-line growth but margins took a hit, indicating the higher cost of acquisitions.  But VIPS is a different company than the weaker 2018-2019 self.      </li>
</ol>

In June, I turned more constructive on Vipshop Holdings (VIPS US) as a rare value play among the online shopping platforms after the stock price fell more than 50% from the peak in March.  Since then, the stock price fell another 26% as the Chinese tech selloff continued even though VIPS faces relatively lower regulatory risk. Considering the continued operational improvements (even though the profits missed consensus expectations, margins remained stable). I believe the stock offers an attractive risk-return proposition.   I find VIPS more attractive at this point because of the following three reasons:

Vipshop is subject to relatively lower regulatory risk.  VIPS was penalized just a small fine thus far. VIPS is relatively immune from the new Data Security Law (DSL) to be adopted on 1 September.    

Vipshop is trading near historic low valuations. VIPS shares trade at 8.6x FY21 and 7.4x FY22 consensus earnings and at the historic low P/E band.  This level is similar to when the company recorded 9% revenue growth and a 3.5% operating margin.  This is a whole new company with substantially higher revenue and profit growth. 

Weak 2Q21 results provide a better entry point. VIPS' 2Q21 showed resilient top-line growth but margins took a hit, indicating the higher cost of acquisitions.  But VIPS is a different company than the weaker 2018-2019 self.      


China

PDD Holdings Inc. is a multinational commerce group that owns and operates a portfolio of businesses. The Company focuses on digital economy so that local communities and small businesses can benefit from the increased productivity and new opportunities. PDD Holdings has built a network of sourcing, logistics, and fulfillment capabilities for its underlying businesses.

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PDD Holdings (PDD US)

Not Yet an Absolute Bargain, but PDD Is Our First Choice to Bottom Fish Chinese Tech

What started as a targeted attack on Alibaba, with the government intervening to halt the Ant Group IPO late last year, quickly turned into a full...

Oshadhi Kumarasiri

Tencent: Investees, the Potential for ST Earnings Miss, and an Attractive LT Entry Point

In this insight, we take a detailed look at Tencent’s listed Investees, their impact on valuation, and the potential for a near-term negative...

Wium Malan, CFA

PDD - Strong (And First Ever) Profit in Q2 2021 but Likely Transient

PDD posted its first quarterly profit since listing and committed to re-invest net profits towards a new RMB10bn Agriculture Initiative. We discuss...

Jason Yap, CFA

JD.com (JD US): Solid Growth Flying Under the Radar

JD's results may not seem inspirational, but a closer look under the hood reveals a business growing faster than market expectations. I believe JD...

Mitchell Kim

Vipshop (VIPS US): Too Cheap to Ignore

Rejuvenated growth slowed in 2Q21, but I offer three reasons why investors should use the recent pullback as an opportunity.

Mitchell Kim

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